Informing the development of a body image and weight stigma coach education programme

David M. Brown, Catherine M. Sabiston

Body image and weight concerns (BIWC) are significant reasons for sport dropout, with many of these concerns stemming from inappropriate communication from coaches. Despite thousands of Canadian athletes disengaging from sport annually due to these concerns, there exist no coach development programmes (CDPs) on these topics within Canada’s national coach certification programme. Using mixed methodologies, the current project aimed to determine coaches’ (1) preferred structure and delivery mode, and (2) level of interest for various topics for a BIWC programme. It also sought to (3) identify projected barriers and facilitators to engagement with the programme. Using an online questionnaire, coaches (N = 371; 57.7% men; 77.6% white; 49.3% soccer coaches) rated their preferred delivery mode, duration, and desired topics for the programme. Results revealed a preference for a 1-2 hour long (35%), online (asynchronous; 48.8%), programme. All topics were rated highly (M = 3.21, SD = .89; range 1-4) with a preference for more practical subjects (e.g., establishing body-positive sport environments). Semi-structured interviews with 17 coaches (22% men; 88% white) further revealed an emphasis on practical takeaways to facilitate engagement, as well as time and finances as significant barriers to enrollment. Overall, CDPs on topics related to BIWC should be short, low-cost, and emphasize practical takeaways to facilitate enrollment and engagement. Data from the current study can be used to inform the development of CDPs on BIWC and future research should look to evaluate the effectiveness of these programmes across sports, competition levels, and age groups when developed.